Chapter 46: An Opponent Who Poses No Threat [2]

Wen Xiaorou felt somewhat displeased upon hearing this, so she changed the subject. “Let’s get back on track—what floor do you work on?”

Cheng Yiyi pouted, thought for a moment, then spoke with a hint of discouragement. “I work on the tenth floor in the Finance Department. By employee level, I should be at level three, but within Finance, I’m only level one.”

Wen Xiaorou gently patted Cheng Yiyi’s back in consolation. “The tenth floor is pretty high up. I’m down here in the lobby on the first floor! I’m at the bottom of the ladder.”

Cheng Yiyi glanced at her watch, then grabbed Wen Xiaorou’s hand as they hurried out of the elevator. “You’re the best, but right now, being on time is what matters most.”

With that, the two of them sprinted toward the lobby.

Inside the receptionist’s office, about ten young women stood in a straight line, all dressed in professional skirts. At the front, a woman wearing glasses was sternly addressing them.

Wen Xiaorou looked at the scene before her and realized she was late. She took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and said, “Reporting in.”

The woman with glasses paused her lecture upon hearing the voice, then turned to face Wen Xiaorou standing at the doorway. She pushed her glasses up her nose and scrutinized Wen Xiaorou from head to toe before asking, “Are you the new receptionist?”

Wen Xiaorou quickly nodded, answering, “Yes, yes. My name is Wen Xiaorou, the new receptionist.”

No sooner had she introduced herself than a ripple of whispers spread through the group, as if they were displeased or resentful of her. Seeing this, Wen Xiaorou immediately lowered her head and discreetly checked her watch.

The woman lecturing noticed the murmurs, paused briefly, then continued firmly, “Quiet down! Wen Xiaorou, change into your uniform and join the team immediately. Remember, the reception is the company’s face. You must arrive twenty minutes earlier than other departments.”

Only then did Wen Xiaorou understand the situation: her department’s working hours were longer than those of other departments. She quickly nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes, I understand.”

After the morning meeting was dismissed, everyone broke into small groups and headed toward the company lobby, deliberately isolating Wen Xiaorou to one side.

“The new girl’s pretty.”

“Yeah! Another competitor.”

“She looks kind of naive, the type rich guys might like.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“Wonder which one Director Chu will favor.”

“But I like our domineering CEO better.”

Walking behind them, Wen Xiaorou overheard the gossip and naturally understood their unfavorable impression of her. They saw her as a rival—not in work, but as a contender for the affections of the company’s top leaders. Wen Xiaorou had no such idle ambitions. She had just gone through a divorce—a divorce from their big boss, no less—and was looked down upon for it. How could she possibly be a rival? Although she was beautiful, she posed no threat to anyone.

Being the newcomer, Wen Xiaorou was assigned to stand at the far edge of the reception desk, so inconspicuous that one could hardly notice her presence without careful observation. Deep down, she was secretly pleased with this arrangement; it meant she was safer here.